Rachel Maddow Bringing Her First Feature-Length Film to MSNBC

Rachel Maddow, the renowned MSNBC anchor, is making her debut in the realm of feature-length documentaries with an exciting new project titled From Russia With Lev. This documentary is set to air on MSNBC next month and has been produced by her own production company, Surprise Inside.

The Story Behind the Film

From Russia With Lev delves into the compelling narrative of Lev Parnas, a Ukrainian-born businessman whose connections to former President Donald Trump and his personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, took center stage during a tumultuous period of American politics. The film chronicles Parnas’s involvement in controversial activities that not only led to Trump’s first impeachment but also resulted in Parnas being imprisoned. Maddow describes the documentary as a vibrant exploration of the intricate layers of this political drama, underscoring the personal stakes involved.

Premiere and Production Team


The highly anticipated premiere of From Russia With Lev is set to occur at the Brooklyn Academy of Music as part of MSNBC’s Democracy 2024 event on September 7. The film is helmed by director Billy Corben, acclaimed for his riveting documentary Cocaine Cowboys: The Kings of Miami. This collaboration involves co-production from notable entities such as Rakontur and Universal Television Alternative Studio, reinforcing the film’s robust production quality.

Insight into the Documentary’s Relevance


Maddow emphasizes the importance of showcasing documentaries from the perspectives of individuals closely tied to the Trump administration. According to her, voices like Lev Parnas offer invaluable insights and authentic narratives that often go unheard. Corben echoes this sentiment, drawing parallels between Parnas’s extraordinary experiences and the captivating plots found in novels. He adds that the film captures both the dramatic and comedic elements of this unprecedented political saga, making it not just educational, but also highly engaging.

This documentary marks a significant milestone in Maddow’s evolving career at MSNBC, where she has built an impressive slate of work, including her weekday show. Furthermore, she produces a variety of podcasts, most notably Déjà News and Bag Man, which are currently in development for film adaptations. This new venture into feature-length filmmaking represents an exciting extension of Maddow’s storytelling prowess.

As Rachel Maddow continues to break new ground in journalism, From Russia With Lev is anticipated to shed light on the intricate narratives behind news headlines, enriching viewers’ understanding of recent political events. Stay tuned for this captivating documentary that promises to entertain and inform.